Hideo Kojima, the renowned creator behind iconic franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has shared his reflections on his beginnings in the video game industry and his deep cinematic influences. In a recent interview, Kojima revealed that his passion for video game development was triggered by an unexpected classic: Super Mario Bros. The famous platform game, released over four decades ago, became a defining experience during his college years, where he played it obsessively, even skipping classes.
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Despite the fact that the first Super Mario practically lacked a complex narrative, Kojima felt that the medium of video games had a narrative potential capable of surpassing cinema. “Without Super Mario, I probably wouldn’t be in this industry,” he stated, emphasizing how the game, despite its simplicity, made him feel like he was living an adventure. This initial conviction was fundamental to his decision to enter game development.
Kojima also spoke about the cinematic influences that have shaped his unique style as a creator. He named renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, and Akira Kurosawa, but particularly highlighted John Carpenter, whom he considers a master at challenging film genres with works like Halloween and The Thing.
Regarding his most emblematic work, Metal Gear Solid 2, Kojima clarified a common misunderstanding: many interpret it as a story centered on artificial intelligence, when in reality it encompasses broader themes about “what human life could become in the digital age”. These statements remind us of the innovative and philosophical approach that Kojima has brought to the art of video games, establishing him as a key figure in the evolution of interactive narrative.
